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Topic: Backup Revision Folder (Read 37973 times)

It seems like you continually poll files for their last-modify timestamp?

yes, BRF does poll the file to check for changes, but the poll time can be set in preferences to anything you want. It does not appear to effect CPU to much even when set down to every three seconds, but bump it out to hours if you need to.

'Check Now' allows the user to eithera) Turn off monitoring via tray menu, and hit 'Check Now' when they want to check filesb) Via Preferences, make check time a lot (21600=6hrs) and press 'Check now' to force a update

Program DescriptionEver made a mess of a file by saving something you were not meant to, and not being able to undo the disaster you created.I have, lots of times. so i went in search on Google for a simple 'incremental revision save' of files.I struggled to find something that was simple, quick, easy to use, 1 minute setup.

Added to v2+ Choose what files you want monitored, in any folder.+ Files now monitored by timedate stamp (was archive bit)+ Control Panel to add/remove monitored files+ Control Panel to show History, Run File, Explore folder+ Preference to choose backup location+ Preference to choose frequency check

What it DoesBackup Revision Files monitors the user selected files for a 'file save' and prompts the user for some text input.This Text is the appended to a historylog file and a backup is made of the 'saved file' with a timedate stamp added.

What are the typical uses of Backup Revision Folder for

Essays

Scripting

Documents

Coding

Cad and Drawing

BRFv2 can be installed/copied to any folder you choose. (old version monitored folder, not applicable now)Upon executing, BRF will check a subfolder, called 'links'

The links folder will hold a shortcut for each file that you want to monitor.BRF checks that the 'shortcut' and the 'monitored file' are in sync.If they are not the same modified timestamp. Prompt the user for History Text and save backup. then sync Shortcut timestamp.Cancel button will just sync timestamp. (no backup)

Of course, all comments and suggestions welcome.The AHK script is attached, and I hope people can contribute and improve this for all.

brettformerly dB(doublebogey)

Version 1 Info

Spoiler

Backup Revision Folder v1b5 - 1st January 2007.

Program DescriptionEver made a mess of a file by saving something you were not meant to, and not being able to undo the disaster you created.I have, lots of times. so i went in search on Google for a simple 'incremental revision save' of files.

To my disappointment, most systems just seemed to complex for what I needed.There are a number of application like Subversion, Clearcase, StarTeam, Perforce etc, and I am sure each one does a excellent job.But I don't work in a team, or have the desire to setup up a client/server. Booking In/Out is not required. and I don't always have access to the internet.I just wanted something really, really simple. To work as a standalone, small, single user. Did I mention Simple, like 123 simple.

'Backup Folder Revision' is a single exe file that can be used standalone.

When you use the installer file, it creates a subdirectory in Program Files, called 'Backup Folder Revision'but you can always copy the exe file to a thumb drive or any other folder.

FeaturesWhat File Revision Folder does when executed and running

* Use the Tray menu to select files to be monitored

* When a monitored files is saved, Prompt the user with a interface to enter a brief description.

* Save a copy of the changed file to the folder MyDocuments/Backup Revision Folder/example/example 2007_01_01 09_30.???

* And most importantly, it is simple. Simple enough for kids and grandparents to use. ABC simple.

Configuration via Tray Icon allows

user to choose any file, anywhere to monitor.

pause/continue monitoring

the user to choose a Backup Directory.

You can now continue to work on your original master file, knowing that there is a version saved to a backup folder.

You can run Backup Revision Folder.exe straight from a Thumb drive folder,which means it will save a version of the changed file to the current machines mydocuments folder. (or configured location)

The thumb drive is one of the main reasons I created 'Backup Revision Folder', was because I am always worried i will * - loose the thing, they are just to small. * - damage the Thumb drive, step on, drowning. etc * - corrupt memory, no warning, and how many of us really backup a thumb drive properly.so Backup Revision Folder should be invaluable to a thumbdrive and people who carry and edit their documents on Portable Drives

That was exactly the setup I used when I first started, but ran into trouble with a thumb drive.I did not want to keep the revisions on the thumb drive, for my own saftey. Because one of the main aims was to have this as NON-configurable. I decided that a subdirectory of MyDocs would be the best place.

After the challenge, I will do two versions if thats Ok. Non-Configurable. * for family and others that do not use preferences. ABC,123 Simple Configurable. * set directories, multiple directories, customise historylog, etc

this reminds me of a tool called "keepit" (http://www.keep-it.com/) which was the exact kind of thing you were after. It was perfect for one man shows, but sadly it is no longer developed and doesn't run properly in XP SP2. I had to turn to tortoiseSVN which is total overkill. I'll have a go with yours and give you my feedback

Autosave2 is primarily a instant backup program, and although BRF essentially does the same, I added a history log. Each time BRF detects a file change, the user is prompted to add some comments. These comments are added to a text file (log).So when things go bad, the user can check the history file to see when they last saved a good copy. My main intention for this app was for when heavy editing of files, I use a dedicated Backup program to save my Main Data, and BRF for when I am busy editing.

this reminds me of a tool called "keepit" (http://www.keep-it.com/) which was the exact kind of thing you were after

Yep, thats the sort of application that I was looking for, and if I had found it, I probably would of used it.But now I am this far, and intend to improve a little as I learn more, I will be in for the long haul.

I have never used a revision system, so I am hoping for constructive criticism.

* have the option instead of automatic backups to make backups "on demand" (how a normal repository engine would work). When my day is through I want to store the changes

Sounds good, will try to implement. In the meantime, you should be able to 'pause monitoring' via the Tray. and then 'start monitoring' at the end of the day. this should cycle through each file that has changed and prompt for input . *untested*I have the unique ability to break something very quickly, hence the live monitoring, and multiple saves per hour.

* allow whole folders (with subfolders) to be added for monitoring

this is probably above what I intended this to be used for, I was after a simple way to monitor around 4-5 files i was working on. I am not sure how live monitoring of 100+ files would impact on CPU usage etc.

* some structure in your "backup" folder will be necessary especially when a lot of items are monitored, eg one subfolder per item tracked

yes, at present, each file monitored creates its own folder in the backup directory. but I will give it some more thought.

* this keep-it tool would store the revisions into a single compressed file, which isn't a bad idea (eg compound storage)

another good idea, but is not possible in AHK without some additional files, and more experience then what i have.

this is probably above what I intended this to be used for, I was after a simple way to monitor around 4-5 files i was working on. I am not sure how live monitoring of 100+ files would impact on CPU usage etc.

It seems like you continually poll files for their last-modify timestamp?

I don't know how easy this is to use from AHK, but windows supports "file change notifications", so you don't have to continually poll. Iirc it's slightly clunky to work with, but it might be worth looking into.

this reminds me of a tool called "keepit" (http://www.keep-it.com/) which was the exact kind of thing you were after. It was perfect for one man shows, but sadly it is no longer developed and doesn't run properly in XP SP2. I had to turn to tortoiseSVN which is total overkill. I'll have a go with yours and give you my feedback

In what way doen't it work in XP. I found that it indeed won't install properly. It put's two dll's and an inf file in the folder: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ShellExtThe dll's won't register on install, but if you register them manually keep-it seems to work ok.